“Hear Their Story” – The main idea behind this series is to inspire and to impact. As unique individuals, we have more in common than we often think. We hope their stories will influence you in some aspect of your life. Sometimes it’s heartening to know that there’s a community out there, that you’re a part of – whether you expect it or not, we’re here for you! Let this community we build together at boOm be the confluence of all of our personal stories and journeys, and let’s resolve to get stronger together #boompowthisisyournow
These awesome bunch of gal pals- Sheena, Sophia, Tatjna, Shankari and Kass – are always vibing off each other, and those vibes are always good ones. If you think you have #squadgoals, you haven’t met them yet. As a group, they’ve become so much a part of boOm that we got them to share their personal stories with us.
1. Have you always loved working out?
Sheena: I first started working out in my early teenage years with the intention to lose weight as I used to be really insecure of how I looked. However, over the years, I learnt how important it is to love your body, and do what’s best for it. So I guess I would say that I started loving it when I began feeling and seeing the benefits of what working out did for my mind and body.
Kass: I would say that I grew to love working out but most importantly, I really care about my health and that’s what kept me going. After a while, working out just becomes addictive and that made me feel the need to do a workout every day or else I’ll start feeling guilty. Not to state the obvious too but I believe for most of us, we work out so we can feed ourselves with sinful foodies and not feel so bad about it. At least for me, that’s the case! I love food, who doesn’t?
We live in Singapore, don’t we? Food is errthang.
2. What made you want to go further in your fitness journey?
Tatjna: I stopped exercising for about 5 years due to my scoliosis surgery and laziness followed soon after (oops haha). I started yoga last year as I needed an escape. It put me in a better place both physically and spiritually, and I decided it was time to step out of my comfort zone by facing what I thought I disliked – cardio and HIIT workouts. Now, conquering these fast-paced workouts makes me happy and helps me relieve stress. So I definitely found my escape!
Sheena: I started dabbling in contemporary dance when I was 20. When I first started, I was pretty overwhelmed and amazed by the amount of strength and flexibility it takes to perform graceful and controlled movements.
I wasn’t the most active or sporty in my childhood, which meant that I had lots to work on – stamina, mental strength, flexibility, etc. With that, I started out with yoga, with the aim of becoming stronger and more flexible. Things were going well until my injury last year, which didn’t allow me to do any sort of physical activity for 3 months. That’s when I felt the importance of being fit and realised how much I actually loved staying active. I was craving for a good workout constantly. Once I got better, I got back to yoga and started out with barre (because I couldn’t get back to dance but still wanted to). I ended up really loving it and then #strongnotskinny became my fitness motto. Since then, I’ve always been up for a good challenge to change up my fitness routine!
Sophia: I decided to go further into my fitness journey, because it’s addictive. A good workout always perks me up throughout the day and I am always in a better mental state to tackle the challenges I face. When I see progress in my performance, I’m also even more motivated to go further so that I can see even better results.
Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and push past your limits. You are stronger than you think and you are great. We all go through struggles in life, but can only become better when we challenge ourselves.
3. What do you like about boOm and what made you want to become a part of this community?
Shankari: Firstly, it’s only 45 minutes and I always feel stronger after each session. It’s not the easiest workout for me, but it’s always made fun. I did not have any boxing experience when I first walked into class but the instructors guided me through with lots of encouragement and I did not feel intimidated at all. I am also always greeted by my name when I walked through the doors and that is something that makes me feel like home. There is always this personal touch at boom and I always feel super welcomed. The feeling of community keeps me coming back.
Tatjna: I like that boOm is extremely customer-oriented! We don’t even feel like customers when we go for class, because you guys are always so welcoming and make the effort to remember everyone who walks in the door. I’m a part of this community because I feel that it doesn’t get better than this, and so I don’t bother to try out somewhere else. Plus, all my friends feel the same about boOm and we get to be in this together!
Sheena: I love how it wasn’t intimidating at all and how the instructors are truly dedicated to helping us become stronger and fitter! The workouts are super fun too! I always use the chance to vent all my frustrations that I’ve been holding in on the bags. Not many workouts would actually allow me to punch something 😉 Not to mention, the space at boOm is pretty chill and comfortable. To be honest, I died a little after my first workout (told you my stamina isn’t the greatest) and I told myself I will never do it again. The next day, I woke up wanting to head back for the next! That’s how it all started!
Glad you decided to come back after your first time, boOm wouldn’t be the same without you, Sheena, nor without the rest of you ladies
4. Do you feel fitness is a big part of your life right now? And how do you intend on maintaining this in your life?
Sophia: Yes! Working out is like my happy pill for the day. I think fitness is sustainable when you enjoy the workouts you are doing. I am constantly trying to find new exciting workouts that keep me coming back for more.
Naaww, thanks girl! We’re glad boOm is one of them.
Kass: I feel that fitness will always be a part of my life. One reason is because I am surrounded by people, and tend to surround myself with people who puts fitness as a priority too. To be honest, working out is indeed tiring but doing it with friends and people who enjoy it as much as I do brings out the fun in it! Plus, I’ll drag my friends to try new workouts with me and hopefully get them into it too!
The more workout buddies, the merrier! If you ever feel lazy, you can count on your sweat buddies to push you to get off the couch.
5. How do you keep a good balance between your work, social life and keeping healthy?
Tatjna: I always plan my schedule! Apart from planning, I feel that a good balance also comes from listening to your own body and your mind. Do what you feel like doing whenever, you know what you need best!
(We couldn’t agree more! Listening to your body will tell you when to cut back, take it slow, or when to ramp up and push even harder. Find your own pace, not just in your workout, but in your own personal journey)
Sheena: People say, ‘Partners who work out together, stays together!’ and I guess in our case it’s ‘friends, who work and get fit together, stay together!’. Hahaha, I know how cheesy it all sounds but why choose one when you can have it all at the same time?
Kass: Keeping a good balance is important for us to get through our everyday lives. Work will always get little overwhelming but we all need to set aside leisure time for our mind, body and soul. Let your body relax, refresh and renew your current state of mind. You might find that you become more positive and productive.
6. If there was one thing you could tell our readers right now, what would you say to them?
Shankari: I find that there is no need to be extreme with working out. Consistency in the long run is key. I recently learnt that it takes 21 days to change/form a habit. It’s not too late to start now!
Kass: Love yourself. Yes, as cliché as it sounds I cannot emphasize how important it is. It does not need to come in physical gifts. Standing up for your beliefs can be a way. Accepting yourself for being you. Having your own stand. Putting yourself above others, allowing yourself to be selfish sometimes. Even deciding one day to get fit is a step to loving yourself. Because I believe loving yourself opens our heart and makes it bigger. Also, love and be nice to animals because they are amazing creatures and they don’t need more reasons to be loved.
Oh Kass! You’re making us feel all warm and fuzzy. Well said!
Sheena: Workout for yourself! Which also means that you do what feels good and what makes you feel good! Everyone is different and everyone has different body types, don’t beat yourself up just because you can’t do something today. Give it a few tries, maybe you’ll be able to get it on the next! Dragging a friend along always helps 🙂
Sophia: Give boOm a go! Everyone is really patient and welcoming to beginners especially. You also get a kickass and fun workout at the end of it.
Tatjna: Always make an effort to step out of your comfort zone, fear exists because something matters and it is what makes you feel alive. You’ll never know what good you’ll find out there!
There you have it. The girl group that has inspired and encouraged our staff and instructors with their positivity, honesty and fearlessness. May we all aim to be this way in as many aspect of our lives as possible.